Janklow portraits added to Capitol collection in ceremony

November 16, 2013|By Bob Mercer, American News Correspondent

American News Photo by Bob Mercer

PIERRE — Bill Janklow was the only governor in the history of South Dakota to serve more than two terms – 16 years — over two eras. He also was the only one known to have refused to have his likeness in the state Capitol’s display of portraits of former governors.

That changed Friday. During a ceremony in the rotunda, his three children and his wife unveiled two portraits, one showing Janklow from his two terms in 1979-86 and the other from his two terms in 1995-2002.

Mary Dean Janklow told the audience of more than 200 people that her husband would have been uncomfortable to be so honored. She said he always was trying to recognize others for their accomplishments and generosity.

“He loved South Dakota. He loved the people here. He loved to be able to solve problems and help people,” she said. “I’m proud of his legacy. I’m proud his portraits will hang here.”

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Bill Janklow died Jan. 12, 2012, from brain cancer at age 72.

For decades, he had threatened to go to court to stop anyone who tried to add his portrait to those of the now-29 other governors since statehood. But in the months after his death, friends and former cabinet members began collaborating with his family to have a portrait made.

Russell Janklow called the portraits by Watertown artist Josh Spies unique and said his father worked 20 years in the Capitol as attorney general for one term, from 1974 to 1978, and then as governor twice.

“He’d rather be governor for life if had the chance,” Russell Janklow said. “When it came to honoring himself, he was shy and bashful about that.”

Spies, whose wildlife paintings were admired by Janklow, described the day as amazing. Spies and Bill Janklow knew each other as friends a generation apart in age.

“It’s a big deal to me, and I worked really hard on this,” Spies said.

In the front row for the ceremony was Bill Janklow’s mother, LouElla, 99. All three of the Janklow children — Russell, Pam and Shonna — were on hand along with other family members.

The crowd was filled with old friends, political allies, Janklow cabinet members and aides, as well as people who simply knew him through their everyday lives. Former Gov. Mike Rounds came, but former Gov. Walter Dale Miller wasn’t feeling well enough to attend.

Pam Roberts, one of his most trusted top aides, delivered the welcome. Gov. Dennis Daugaard spoke about some of the things he learned from Janklow.

“Gov. Janklow did take charge in situations where someone needed to take charge,” Daugaard said. “He gave us confidence, especially during disasters.”

Daugaard said he admired Janklow for his aggressiveness in getting facts before making a decision.

Daugaard said he learned Janklow dug into the details of every piece of legislation that went to his desk – including a bill that Daugaard had passed while a state senator and Janklow vetoed.

“He really knew that bill,” Daugaard said.

When the veto override came up in the Senate, “I voted with him against my bill.”